Category Archives: Business

Emkay Institutional Equities Projects Volatile Near-Term for Indian Equities, with Recovery in H2CY25

Mumbai, February 18, 2025: Emkay Institutional Equities, a part of Emkay Global Financial Services Limited held a virtual media webinar on the outlook for the Indian equity markets. The research house expects near-term weakness and heightened volatility for Indian equities in Q1CY25. However, a gradual consumption recovery is anticipated in H2CY25, led by an improvement in employment trends, a revival in unsecured lending, and an uptick in welfare spending. Emkay Institutional Equities project Nifty to be at levels of 25,000 by December 2025, and FPI selling to subside by Q2CY25.

Key sector calls

Emkay Institutional Equities maintains an Overweight stance on Discretionary, Real Estate, and Healthcare, while remaining Neutral on Industrials, IT, and Energy. Financials, Staples, and Materials are designated as Underweight due to structural concerns and valuation pressures.

The firm anticipates discretionary consumption recovery within 2-3 quarters, underpinned by a rebound in IT hiring, better liquidity conditions, and an improvement in retail lending dynamics. Additionally, state-led women-centric welfare schemes and robust winter crop sowing are likely to bolster consumption trends.

Sectoral shifts include a downgrade of Energy and Technology to Neutral, an upgrade of Consumer Discretionary to Overweight, and continued Underweight positioning on Financials and Staples.

Top investment calls

The firm’s top investment ideas include Lupin, Zomato, Tata Motors, IndusInd Bank in large caps. Escorts, Paytm, Metropolis in midcaps, and Stovekraft, and Quess Corp in the small cap segment.

Capex growth

Following a 31% CAGR in capex growth between FY21-24, a slowdown to 10-13% is anticipated, primarily due to election-related spending constraints. However, a rebound in FY26 is expected as policy certainty returns. While capital-heavy sectors face challenges, green energy continues to be a bright spot.

FPI selling expected to subside

Despite persistent selling pressures, FPI activity is likely to stabilize post-1QCY25, with valuations having moderated and earnings forecasts bottoming out over the next 2-3m. A peak in the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) should also ease rupee depreciation concerns and help stem FPI selling. The RBI’s liquidity injection could stimulate domestic equities and benefit the BFSI sector.

Corporate Earnings

The earnings downgrade cycle appears to be concluding, with consensus Nifty estimates for FY26 already adjusting downward by 3.9% since January 2025. The firm remains constructive on mid-teens earnings growth for FY26, driven by Financials, Metals, and Energy.

Commenting on the outlook, Nirav Sheth, CEO – Institutional Equities, Emkay Global Financial Services stated: “Markets tend to over-react and overextend on both, the upside and the downside. The bottoming process is usually volatile which we are currently witnessing. Our macros are solid, given the low and stable CAD, fiscal deficit under control, and a more accommodative monetary policy now. We estimate that the worst of the earnings downgrade cycle is behind us and expect a recovery in the second half of the fiscal – triggered by renewed government spending and tax relief led consumption spend. It is time to buy.”

Seshadri Sen, Head of Research and Strategist – Institutional Equities, Emkay Global Financial Services added “Despite short-term headwinds, the structural investment case for India remains intact. The shift in sectoral dynamics presents opportunities, particularly in Discretionary, Real Estate, and Healthcare, where we see strong growth potential.”

BITS Pilani Alumnus Pankaj Patel Contributes US dollar1 Million Towards US dollar100 Million Endowment Fund

National, February 18, 2025: BITS Pilani, renowned for its dedication to fostering innovation has received a significant boost for its US $100 million Endowment Fund with a generous US $ 1 million contribution from distinguished alumnus Pankaj Patel (Batch of 1970-75), Founder and CEO of Nile, based in the Bay Area, USA. A seasoned technology leader and visionary entrepreneur, Patel has over 40 years of experience building and leading high-performance global engineering organizations, developing scalable products, and driving strategic innovation.

Patel’s strategic leadership has positioned Nile as a disruptive force in networking, fundamentally reimagining secure and seamless network connectivity. Prior to founding Nile, he held key roles as a partner and Chief Strategy Officer at JC2 Ventures and as a senior advisor to March Capital. Notably, Patel served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Cisco Systems, Inc., overseeing the company’s extensive $38 billion product and solution portfolio and leading 180 strategic acquisitions.

Speaking on his motivation behind the contribution, Patel said, “BITS Pilani laid the foundation for my journey in technology and leadership. Giving back to this incredible institution is my way of nurturing the next generation of thinkers and innovators.”

Apart from leading Nile, Patel serves on the board of several technology startups, providing strategic guidance and expertise. His passion for simplifying complex networking solutions and fostering innovation has solidified his position as a visionary leader in Silicon Valley.

Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, Professor V. Ramgopal Rao, said, “This contribution highlights the unwavering commitment of our alumni to the institute’s growth and development. Pankaj Patel’s support will help us create transformative educational experiences for generations to come.”

Professor Arya Kumar, Dean of Alumni Relations, said, “We are immensely proud of our alumni like Pankaj Patel, who continue to give back and strengthen the BITS Pilani legacy. His contribution will catalyze growth through academic excellence.”

This generous contribution marks a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards becoming a global leader in education and innovation.

Association of Ayurvedic Practitioners Announces AAPCON 2025, Advancing Ayurveda Across the Globe

Mumbai – 18th February, 2025: The Association of Ayurvedic Practitioners has announced AAPCON 2025, its biannual Ayurvedic medical conference hosted by experts at an event in Mumbai last week. After celebrating its Silver Jubilee event in Hotel Taj Palace in 2018, the Association of Ayurvedic Practitioners announces its next landmark event AAPCON 2025.

Continuing Medical Education is an essential component of Continuous Professional Development, and AAP is committed to it.

AAP has been consistently working towards enhancing clinical skills of fellow practitioners and spreading awareness about Ayurveda among the masses at large. To achieve these goals; AAP organises its brand conference AAPCON every two years and most memorable event being AAPCON 2018; held at Hotel Taj Palace, Mumbai.

This year the event will be held at Taj Lands End Hotel, Bandra (Mumbai), from 05th – 07th April, 2025. This will be the 5th International and 14th National Ayurvedic Seminar to be held.

Speaking on AAPCON 2025, Dr. Nilesh Doshi, Founder President and Organizing Chairman of AAPCON said, “It gives me immense pleasure to announce the upcoming event this year. As always, we will host interesting workshops and seminars and invite people from international countries also. This year we will be adding a session on digital marketing and global opportunity for our peers.”

“I am thankful and grateful to the entire team and committee members for their unconditional support. We look forward to making AAPCON 2025 an exciting and grand event”, he further added.

Latin Quarters Opens Exclusive Store in Hyderabad with Tejaswi Madivada, Launches SS’25 Collection

New Delhi, February 18, 2025: Latin Quarters, India’s premier women’s western wear brand, today unveiled its new exclusive store with a grand opening atNexus Mall, K P H B Phase 9, 2nd Floor, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500085. The grand launch was graced by guest of honor and renowned Bollywood actress, Tejaswi Madivada, known for her appearance in Bigg Boss 2 and her role in the movie Ice Break’.

This new store marks a significant milestone in Latin Quarters’ expansion journey, strengthening its presence in Hyderabad with its third store in the city, following successful outlets at Sarath City and Punjagutta. With a presence in 400+ locations nationwide, Latin Quarters’ new store is now open to the larger public in the region to access all the latest fashions.

Staying true to its ethos of celebrating individuality and style, Latin Quarters introduces the #CommittedtoBeYOU campaign with this launch. In the spirit of the ‘month of love’, the brand champions self-love, encouraging women to embrace their unique fashion identities. This store will be a gateway to discovering personal styles, offering a curated shopping experience with the latest trends and silhouettes.

Saurabh Jhingan, Director & Co-Founder of Latin Quarters, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to open our doors at Nexus Hyderabad Mall as we continue to expand our footprint in India. Hyderabad has long been a city of vibrant fashion and diverse cultural influences. With our new concept #CommittedtoBeYOU, we want every woman to feel confident, empowered, and stylish in her way. The launch of our ‘New Now SS’25’ collection further elevates this mission by offering a fresh take on seasonal fashion trends.”

Coinciding with the store launch, Latin Quarters also unveiled its latest ‘New Now SS’25’ collection–an ode to the effortless elegance and vibrant energy of the season starting with a range. From chic summer dresses to structured formal wear and trendy separates, the range is crafted to reflect contemporary global styles with a touch of Indian sensibilities.
Spanning an impressive retail space, the Hyderabad store is meticulously designed to offer an immersive shopping experience. Featuring modern aesthetics, well-lit interiors, and interactive fashion zones, the store promises to be a go-to destination for trend-conscious shoppers.

Practus Recognized as a Great Place to Work for the 4th Consecutive Year

Mumbai, Feb 2025: Practus, a leading business consulting firm, proudly announces its fourth consecutive certification as a Great Place to Work. This recognition reaffirms the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace culture where employees thrive, collaborate, and drive innovation.

Achieving this recognition for the fourth year in a row reflects Practus’ dedication to building an environment that empowers talent, encourages professional growth, and nurtures a strong sense of purpose – consolidating its reputation as a top employer in the consulting industry.

Deepak Narayanan, Founder & CEO of Practus, shared his thoughts on this recognition, stating, “Being recognized as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years underscores the strength of our people-first culture. At Practice, we believe that our success is deeply tied to the well-being and growth of our team. This milestone reaffirms our commitment to creating an environment where the team feel valued, inspired, and driven to make an impact.”

Aditi Nair, Chief People Officer at Practus, added, “Securing this recognition for four years in a row reflects our commitment to build a workplace where every individual thrives. It is a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of our team as they align with our vision to build a great workplace for all.”

The practice continues to prioritize a people-centric culture through initiatives that promote professional development, work-life integration, and open communication. With progressive policies and a culture of collaboration, the company has created an environment where innovation flourishes, the team feels empowered, and long-term success is built together.

Air India Partners with Virgin Australia for Codeshare Agreement

Chandigarh 18 February 2025: Air India and Virgin Australia today announced a new codeshare partnership that significantly boosts connectivity and the ease of travelling between India and Australia.

The unilateral codeshare agreement enables Air India to place its ‘AI’ code on flights operated by Virgin Australia. This enhances the opportunities that Air India customers have when travelling from Delhi to Melbourne or Sydney and takes seamless onward connections on Virgin Australia flights to 16 destinations in Australia and New Zealand1. The enhanced cooperation will also ensure that passengers travelling on a single ticket will have their baggage checked throughout the entire journey.

The 16 cities in Australia and New Zealand include: Adelaide, Ballina/Byron Bay, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Queenstown (New Zealand)1, Sunshine Coast, and Sydney.

“We are pleased to partner with Air India to make it easier for their customers to explore everything Australia has to offer. India is a growing tourism market for Australia and this partnership will encourage travellers arriving on one of Air India’s 14 weekly flights to explore more of our wonderful country thanks to seamless onward connections on the Virgin Australia network,” said Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Virgin Australia.

“Australia is one of Air India’s most important international markets, so it is incredibly exciting for us to be partnering with Virgin Australia to expand our presence in the region. While the partnership provides greater ease and access for the large Indian diaspora spread across the continent, it also opens up a whole new range of destinations for holidaymakers wanting to soak up the beaches of Gold Coast, discover Tasmania, or explore the natural wonders of The Great Barrier Reef,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.

Air India operates 14x weekly flights from India to Australia, flying non-stop daily from Delhi to Melbourne and Delhi to Sydney. The airline utilises its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on these routes, featuring
18 flat beds in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy Class. Air India customers taking onward flights on Virgin Australia flights within Australia and New Zealand will enjoy world-class Business and Economy Class cabins and award-winning service.

AdzPressway Revolutionizes Digital Advertising at AW Dubai 2025, Paving the Way for the Future

Dubai, UAE, 18th February 2025 – AdzPressway, a pioneering force in digital marketing and performance advertising, is set to play a pivotal role at Advertising Week Dubai 2025 (AW Dubai), one of the most influential industry gatherings in the Middle East. As a key participant, AdzPressway will bring its expertise in AI-driven marketing, data-led storytelling, and social media innovations to the forefront, shaping discussions that define the future of advertising.

AdzPressway’s leadership team will actively engage in expert panels, fireside chats, and networking sessions, sharing insights on MarTech, audience engagement strategies, and the evolving digital landscape in the MENA region. Through thought-provoking discussions, the company will showcase its commitment to helping brands navigate the complex, fast-changing world of digital advertising. With a growing presence in the Middle East, AdzPressway aims to bridge the gap between brands, technology, and consumers. We’re excited to participate in this prestigious event, connecting with numerous brands and demonstrating how AI and automation can revolutionize their marketing impact

Highlighting the company’s vision for AW Dubai, Simran Khandelwal, Founder & CEO of AdzPressway, expressed enthusiasm for the event’s opportunities. “AW Dubai is a powerful platform where the future of advertising is shaped, and we are excited to be at the heart of it. As digital marketing continues to evolve, AdzPressway is committed to driving innovation and delivering data-backed strategies that empower brands to connect with audiences in more meaningful ways. This event allows us to exchange insights, build strategic partnerships, and reinforce our role as a leader in the digital advertising space.”

Vasudha Kalia, Co-founder of AdzPressway, emphasized the company’s mission to transform the advertising ecosystem. “At AdzPressway, we believe in combining cutting-edge technology with data intelligence to redefine digital marketing. We look forward to participate in AW Dubai, where we can connect with numerous brands and explore collaborations to drive impactful AI-led advertising solutions.”

Beyond panel discussions, AdzPressway will be actively involved in collaborations with brands, agencies, and ad-tech leaders, exploring new strategies to optimize digital advertising performance. The company’s presence at AW Dubai is part of a broader effort to strengthen its influence in the MENA advertising ecosystem, ensuring that businesses can leverage cutting-edge solutions in AI, automation, and content marketing to drive results.

As part of its engagement at AW Dubai, AdzPressway will provide exclusive event coverage, offering real-time insights, expert takeaways, and behind-the-scenes content through its digital platforms. The company will also release a detailed post-event report, outlining key learnings and strategies for brands looking to stay ahead in the competitive digital advertising landscape.

Sterlite Power Boosts North-East India’s Energy with Nangalbibra-Bongaigaon Project Completion

Chandigarh, February 18, 2025: Sterlite Power a leading private sector power transmission infrastructure developer and solutions provider, announced the successful commissioning of the Nangalbibra – Bongaigaon transmission (400kv D/C) line, an Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) project. Through its Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) execution, the project strengthens the power infrastructure in the region, ensuring reliable electricity supply in Meghalaya.

The project spans approximately 300 ckt km of transmission lines and includes a greenfield substation with a 300 MW transformation capacity across the challenging North-Eastern terrain of Assam and Meghalaya. It includes a 123km, 400kV D/C transmission line connecting Bongaigaon in Assam to a greenfield substation at Nangalbibra in Meghalaya, initially operated at 220kV and crossing the Brahmaputra River. The 220/132kV substation at Nangalbibra, equipped with 2x160MVA transformation capacity, also allows future expansion to 400kV to support increasing load demands. A 132kV D/C transmission line (19 km) further connects Hatsinghmari in Assam to Ampati in Meghalaya for an additional power source to the region.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Arun Sharma, CEO, of Infrastructure Business, Sterlite Power, said, “The successful commissioning of this project is a crucial step towards strengthening the power infrastructure of North-East India. By enabling the seamless transfer of over 1000 MW of electricity, this project will significantly improve power reliability and accessibility in Meghalaya and Assam, supporting the region’s industrial, commercial, and socio-economic growth and the overall quality of life. The transmission project will not only help bridge existing power gaps but also lay the groundwork for future expansion, thereby attracting investments, creating jobs, and driving infrastructure growth. As India moves toward a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape, we are committed to reinforcing the national grid and accelerating economic progress.”

This new infrastructure project ensures the reliable transmission of over 1000 MW of power from Assam to Meghalaya. Apart from bringing the additional power supply, the project also decongests the downstream networks in the region, thereby improving the quality and reliability of power supply in North-East India. Awarded through tariff-based competitive bidding in December 2021, the project was completed ahead of schedule, with all necessary approvals obtained and key elements commissioned between September and November 2024.

Ambuja Cements Empowers Rural Women Entrepreneurs in Bhatapara with ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Initiative

Chandigarh 18 February 2025: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is driving economic empowerment among rural women in Bhatapara, through the transformative ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program. By fostering micro-enterprises and offering extensive support in training and resources, the Company’s CSR initiatives are helping women achieve financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.

The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ movement, initiated by the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to enable women in self-help groups (SHGs) to earn an annual household income of ₹1 lakh or more. Ambuja Cements’ CSR team identified 188 women from Bhatapara for this program and provided them with the necessary tools and training to achieve this milestone. Many women have successfully ventured into enterprises like tailoring, vegetable cultivation, and retail stores, significantly improving their quality of life and inspiring their communities.

This initiative has enabled women like Kuleshwari Verma, a fancy store owner earning ₹3.75 lakh annually, and Kusum Patel, who cultivates vegetables and earns ₹1.1 lakh per year, to achieve transformative financial growth. Stories like theirs highlight how access to resources and consistent support can unlock the entrepreneurial potential of rural women.

Ambuja Cements remains committed to promoting inclusive development and sustainable livelihoods through its CSR initiatives. By supporting rural women entrepreneurs, the company underscores its dedication to economic empowerment and long-term community growth.

Mithali Raj Praises Ashleigh Gardner’s Continuation of Rich Form

Speaking exclusively on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar, Mithali Raj shared her thoughts on Ashleigh Gardner’s innings of 52 off 32 balls: “I think Ashleigh is continuing the rich form she has carried from the series. In the first game, we saw her hitting sixes, and today’s innings were even better than the last. She built a crucial partnership with Laura Wolvaardt, laying a strong foundation for Deandra Dottin to come in and play her role effectively.”

Speaking about the partnership between Deandra Dottin and Harleen Deol, Mithali Raj said on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar, “Yes, I think it was an important partnership because Harleen Deol got an opportunity in the middle and made the most of it, stitching together another valuable partnership with Deandra Dottin. While the runs may not have been big, Dottin needed to be at the crease because when she is there, you always have a chance to finish the match. Harleen also played some impressive shots against Sophie Ecclestone. Though she started a bit tentatively, she looked much more confident as she played in front of the wicket.”

Sharing her insights on Deandra Dottin’s power-hitting, Mithali Raj said on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar: “There is immense power in her shots, but what sets her apart from other six-hitting batters is her incredible bat speed. She doesn’t rely on a big backlift, instead, her strong wrists generate that quick bat swing, which is a huge advantage. Whether she is playing off the back foot or going over the boundary line, bat speed, and wrist work are her strengths. She also creates room for herself while playing in front, which makes her shots even more effective.”

Speaking about what Deepti Sharma could have done differently, Mithali Raj said on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar: “Well, I think we need to consider that this was her first game, and we shouldn’t be too critical. She did miss the presence of senior players in the squad, but moving forward, the team management will have to think carefully about the balance, perhaps bringing in an extra bowler instead of a batter. Right now, the batting is heavily reliant on Indian domestic players, so they need to assess their strategy accordingly.”

Speaking on Amul Cricket Live, JioHotstar, Mithali Raj also spoke about UP Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma’s performance against the Gujarat Giants, “Deepti was playing with a very healthy strike rate at about 140 plus and yes, it’s just unfortunate. She couldn’t get the sort of support she required at that time to build a partnership. They did have a 40-50 (runs) partnership, but then she wanted more out of the overseas players like Tahlia McGrath or Grace Harris to give her support and stay there and add more runs. Whatever little time she spent she tried to keep that momentum going and get those runs going for UP Warriorz.”